But you’re short of time, you’re short of cash, and you’ve discovered you’re simply not equipped to develop the business from every angle you want to. When it comes to creative and marketing projects, many brave souls try to go it alone, ‘make do and mend’ style. This is admirable and understandable, but it doesn’t often end well.

The answer? Outsourcing.

While a topic of concern for some, outsourcing projects is the only way forward for those businesses that simply don’t have the time or the know-how to nail the creative side of development. Besides, it’s more cost-effective than you might think.

The top five most common projects small businesses outsource to creative agencies are:

1. Branding and rebranding

Even if you have a very clear idea of how you want your brand to look, sound and feel (which is an excellent start), actually turning this idea into a real brand is a very different matter. It takes technical skill and careful consideration, and there’s a whole lot more to it than just a logo and some pretty colours. Entrusting your vision to branding specialists is wise, as doing it yourself may result in a weak or confused brand.

2. Website design

If you’re serious about creating a professional and functional online presence for your business, then outsourcing your website design and development to a creative agency is a total no-brainer. Sure, there are plenty of reputable DIY options out there, but if you want a truly professional finish you should consider giving the creatives a shout. Layouts, structure, hierarchy, navigation and responsiveness all need to be spot on, and these can get missed if you go it alone.

3. Video creation

Again there’s the temptation for a bit of DIY here, as anybody with a smartphone and a few apps can shoot a piece of passable video content. But are you OK with passable? If it’s just a bit of light-hearted content for a quick social media post, then fine. But when it comes to video marketing materials like intro videos, case studies, adverts and demos, nothing beats the real thing. Nothing shouts professionalism and generates interest better than a beautifully shot video, and it might surprise you just how affordable it can be.

4. Presentation deck design

Really? Get a creative agency to work on my presentation decks? Isn’t that what Powerpoint is for? Sure, you can use desktop presentation software and bullet point your audience to sleep, but it's not ideal. Believe it or not, there’s a science to creating perfect, engaging pitches and presentations. There should be as much thought and attention to aesthetics put into presentation decks as there is into the rest of your brand, and creative agencies know how to make even the driest of topics look dazzling. Seriously, it’s worth considering.

5. Copywriting and content

Regular, useful and high quality written content can help your brand connect with your audience, drive conversions and increase your online visibility, but have you got time to write it all? For many business owners and SMEs, the answer is no; you’re too immersed in running your business. Luckily, there are dedicated copy and content writers out there ready to help you craft bespoke, captivating content for your website, blog, presentation or marketing campaign. If you’re short on time and regularly suffer from writer’s block, outsourcing is definitely your friend.

And remember, the price tag really isn’t as hefty as you might think. Take us, for example; our business is set up with the needs and budgets of small businesses front of mind. We are branding specialists with expertise in all kinds of marketing communications, and we can help you succeed without stretching your budget to breaking point. Give us a shout and let’s get a meeting in the diary.